There have been reports of residents in
the Stafford area receiving telephone calls from a male purporting to be from
‘Microsoft’ suggesting you have a virus on your computer.

Microsoft will never contact you in this way,
this is an extremely common scam where the caller will ask you to switch on your
computer and provide information which will allow them to access it remotely.

You will then be charged a fee and damaging
software may be installed on your computer.

If you know of any elderly or vulnerable
neighbours or family members who own a computer please warn them of this scam
and advise them to hang up immediately should they receive such a call.

Please could you be aware that we have had a
number of reports of 2 poss 3 males knocking on addresses and trying to get
residents to leave their properties saying things like " there has been an
explosion next door". One of the males is described as white, aged approx 50 yrs
old wearing a trilby type hat and a mac type coat. Another male is described as
white aged approx 18 yrs old. If anyone similar comes to your address please
call 999 immediately, DO NOT let them into your home and do not leave your home.
Close and lock the door and ring 999.

The purpose of this alert is to raise
awareness about the commission of fraud by bogus door-to-door sales and
tradesmen posing as representatives of the utility industry.

MO1: Fraudster(s) approach victims, offering them
savings on bills. They obtain a copy of a recent bill in order to carry out an
account takeover, setting up online accounts and changing bank account details.
False lower meter reads are then provided, placing the account into credit. The
premises are then stated to be unoccupied and refunds are requested into the
offender’s bank accounts.

MO2: Fraudster(s) pay into victim’s accounts using
stolen credit card details, placing the account into credit. The customer is
then asked to pay their bill, minus a given amount, into the fraudster’s
account. The account-holder is then impersonated and meter reads are again
altered and refunds requested into the offender’s bank accounts.

MO3: Victims are targeted by suspects stating that they
have a friend who works for a utility provider who can offer discounts for
friends and family. Again, payments are either made using stolen credit card
details or the account is taken over and meter reads reversed, placing the
account into credit, so the customer doesn’t have to pay.

Preventative Measures

Always ask for identification. Check credentials,
including a permanent address and landline number.

If in any doubt ask the person to leave and
contact the utility provider the person is purporting to represent via
contact details obtained independently.

Do not disclose any personal or billing
information

If you have been affected by this or any other
scam report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting
www.actionfraud.police.uk

Mobile Phone Fraud

The purpose of this alert is to raise
awareness of fraudsters using a variety of MOs to trick victims into calling
apparent mobile phone numbers beginning with "070" which transpire to be premium
rate numbers.

"070" numbers featured in over 2,600 fraud reports
received by Action Fraud over the past year. Known as ‘personal numbers’, they
are virtual numbers often programmed to forward incoming calls to one of a list
of fixed or VoIP telephone numbers pre-selected by the client. VoIP numbers
allow phone calls over the Internet, enabling calls to be made or received
anywhere with an internet connection, which makes tracing the calls much more
difficult. This enables potential fraudsters to provide an "070" number to
victims while masking the number(s) that it diverts to, thus adding some
protection to their true identity and location.

Although legitimate numbers, calls to "070" numbers are
charged at a premium rate and they have long been used by fraudsters to scam
unwitting victims. Calls from a landline can cost up to 65p p/min and may incur
an additional call set-up fee of up to 51p. Calls from mobiles can cost up to
£1.50 p/min. In extreme cases, victims have received triple figure phone bills
as a result of calling these premium rate numbers. Providers of ‘personal
numbers’ include Vodafone, Magrathea, and Digital Mail.

Key MOs Involved

Fraudster sends a text message to or leaves a
voicemail/missed call on the victim’s phone. The victim then calls back assuming
this is a UK mobile number and is unwittingly connecting to a premium rate
number.

Fraudster places an advert for a job on an online
shopping/auction site along with an "070" number for the victim to call to
obtain more information about the post and/or apply for it over the phone.

Fraudster contacts an individual who is selling an item
on a shopping website and sends fake PayPal emails to the victim requesting a
shipping fee to be paid via Western Union, prior to the payment being released
to the victim. They will often provide an "070" number, causing the victim to
incur further charges if they attempt to make contact with the suspect.

Prevention Advice

If anyone approaches you online or otherwise
providing an "070" number for contact, be wary that this could be a scam and
do not call the number.

Consider informing PhonepayPlus, which regulates
premium numbers and has statutory powers to stop mobile phone frauds and
fine the offenders.

If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by
these, or any other scams, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123
2040, or visiti

ng
www.actionfraud.police.uk March 9th

Burglary at Church Eaton.

There was a
burglary on the morning of Monday 9th March at a property in Eaton Green,
Church Eaton.

It happened whilst the occupant was out
sometime between 10.15 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Offenders forced the
French windows at the property before stealing a quantity of jewellery.

Anyone who was in the
area then and who may have seen anything suspicious, is asked to
contact the police quoting incident number 343 of 9th March.

February 5th/6th

Fencing Equipment Theft at Church Eaton.

Some fencing equipment and an energiser have
been stolen from a field at farm premises in Church Eaton.

The property was stolen sometime between 5pm
Thursday 5th & 9am Friday 6th February and anyone with any
information is asked to contact the police quoting incident number 209 of 6th
February.

Could you also please take time to review your
own security arrangements and make sure your properties and possessions are as
secure as possible at all times.

Any suspicious persons or vehicles should be
reported to the police immediately.

Petrol has been siphoned from a vehicle in the
Long Compton area of Haughton.

Offenders used a screwdriver to prise the hose
out of the petrol tank and it is believed the same vehicle has been targeted
twice in the past week.

Could you please warn your neighbours about this
incident and ask them to make sure their vehicles are parked as securely as
possible at all times.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the
police immediately.

Several reports of 'Nottingham Knockers' in Stafford
Borough.

There were several reports on Tuesday 28th
October of ‘Nottingham Knockers’ visiting various parts of the Borough.

These ex offenders often say they are in some
sort of scheme supported by the police or probation service, which is not true,
and they have been known to become abusive to residents who won’t buy anything
from them.

With the darker nights upon us could you please
warn your neighbours, especially the elderly and vulnerable, that police and
Trading Standards advice is never to buy or sell at the door or from cold
callers.

Any suspicious callers should be reported to the
police immediately.

July 2014

Gardening equipment stolen from Church Eaton Church.

Two strimmers and three lawnmowers have been
stolen from a shed at the rear of St Editha's Church in High Street, Church
Eaton.

Offenders forced the door of the shed to get
access to the tools and the theft would have occurred
sometime overnight Monday 28th/Tuesday 29th July 2014.

Anyone with any information regarding this theft
is asked to contact the police quoting incident number 225 of 29th
July.

April 2014

Fake calls from police

We are currently receiving calls from residents in
the Stafford Borough area concerning phone calls purporting to
be from the police saying that they have a man in custody who
was using their credit cards and could they confirm their bank
details. These calls are bogus calls made by people trying to
pass themselves off as police officers. Please be advised not to
converse with these callers or give out any bank details. Simply
put the phone down and end the call.

A general warning for residents.

There were two reported incidents of sneak in burglaries
yesterday Wednesday 23rd April in the Stafford area.

Both incidents occurred during the daytime and offenders
entered the properties via insecure doors before stealing
handbags and purses from kitchen areas.

With the expected gradual improvement in weather it is
important to remind neighbours to be on their guard and to make
sure doors and windows are secure in rooms that are unoccupied.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police
immediately.

Catalytic converters have been stolen from several vehicles
at a business premises in Levedale Road, Bradley.

The thefts occurred sometime overnight Saturday 19th/Sunday
20th April and anyone who was in the area at the
time, and who may have seen anything suspicious, is asked to
contact the police quoting incident number 121 of 21st
April.

2013

Thursday 21st November

A message for members of Rural Watch
and Poacher Watch.

Colleagues in Shropshire are warning of two vehicles
suspected of being involved in wildlife crime. Such criminals
often travel long distances to commit offences and wildlife
criminals are often linked to other types of criminality as
well.
The vehicles are described as a gold coloured Vauxhall Astra
Estate part registration P381 CU…. and a white coloured Peugeot
Partner van part registration RV08DC…

Please be vigilant and report any suspicious persons,
vehicles or suspicious activity to the police immediately.
Police non-emergency telephone number is 101. In an emergency
call 999.

Thursday 20th June

There have been two reports of suspicious incidents where
white males described as "having Irish-type accents", have
offered high value petrol equipment including chain saws and
strimmers at cheap prices. The males were driving a white
coloured Transit-type van, part registration BT11 OZ… the
incidents occurred in the Hixon area and at a farm in the
Wolseley Bridge area. Advice is not to buy or sell from
doorstep cold-callers.

Colleagues in Shropshire report suspicious activity at The
Black Barns, Grindle and a suspicious vehicle in the Shifnal
area.

The vehicle is described as a white coloured Ford Transit
part registration CW02 D…

Please be on your guard and report anything suspicious to
the police immediately.

3rd June

More Land Rover crime

Following the warning to the owners of
Landrover Discovery vehicles sent out in March this message is
to advise of further incidents of the theft of headlight units
in the Stafford and South Staffs areas.
The latest reported incidents have occurred in
Burton Manor Road, Stafford and the
Brewood & Coven areas of South Staffs.
Police are warning owners of such vehicles to be extra vigilant
and to check their security arrangements.
Where possible vehicles should be parked in a garage or, if
that’s not possible, in a well lit area.
Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police
immediately.

31st May

Rural Crime

During the daytime on Friday 31st May, one
Landrover Defender vehicle has been stolen from the Church Hill
area of Kinver. Between 25th – 26th May,
nine ewes with lambs have been stolen from a flock of around 50
animals in a secure field in the Barton –under-Needwood area,
east of Rugeley, and a member of Rural Watch in Shropshire warns
of a blue coloured Ford Transit van seen in the Shifnal area
touting for scrap metal with a male described as distinctly
unfriendly. Part registration of the van is VU55W… Finally a
warning from colleagues in Shropshire to producers of crops near
to the county border that there has been a recent spate of
thefts of diesel from irrigation pumps and also thefts of
electric fencing units and bird scarers powered by bottled gas.

18th May

Burglary's in Stone/Woodseaves

This is a warning
to residents.

We have had two
burglary's reported since 1400hrs today(17/05/2013), in Stone
and Woodseaves. 2 males involved, one described as mid 30's,
wearing a black baseball cap and black jacket, chubby build, 5ft
7-9. Other male thin, 5ft 10- 6ft.

Please be aware
and ensure your property is secured at all times, any
information please contact local police on 101 incident 416 and
484.

11th May

A message for members of
Rural and Poacher Watch.

On Friday 10th May a farmer near Abbots Bromley
discovered 9 ewes and 18 lambs missing from a field and local
investigation has not located the animals. The gate to their
field was unlocked but secure and there was no damage to the
electric fence.

The animals are all marked with a blue colour on their
shoulder, green tags in the right ear and yellow tags in the
left ear. The ewes and lambs are also marked with corresponding
letters so that they can be paired up.

Please be on your guard for any activity which may indicate
that animals are being stolen and if you see anything suspicious
or have any information which might help to locate the stolen
sheep, please contact the police immediately.

9th May

This is a message for members of
Rural Watch

One small flat-bed trailer has been stolen from farm premises
off Hednesford Road, Rugeley at around 8.15pm on 8th
May 2013 where the offenders hitched the trailer to a dark
coloured vehicle before making off, and Shropshire colleagues
warn of fuel being stolen from irrigation pumps in the Weston
under Lizard area.

Two further incidents of suspected poaching have been
reported in the Hilton Lane area of Great Wyrley where a white
coloured Transit van, part registration AJ02R… was seen with two
males carrying large lamps and a firearm accompanied by two
dogs, and in the Great Moors Road area of Pattingham where
lights were seen and shots heard in the early hours of 9th
May.

Please be on your guard and report anything suspicious to the
police immediately.

5th May

This is a message for members of
Rural Watch & Farm Watch.

3 sheep have been stolen from a field in the Teddesley Road
area of Penkridge.

A wooden post had been removed and tyre tracks were seen at
the scene of the incident which occurred sometime overnight
Saturday 4th/Sunday 5th May.

Could you please take time to review your own security
arrangements and please report any suspicious persons or
vehicles to the police immediately.

1st May

During the past few days there has been one theft of fuel oil
from a storage tank at a rural address in Kingsley Wood Road,
Rugeley and on the outskirts of Rugeley the door lock was forced
and a shed has been broken into at a farm where small items were
stolen. One shed has been broken into at a rural location in
Coven Heath where power tools were stolen, and during the last
10 days one flat bed, drop side aluminium coloured Ifor Williams
Trailer has been stolen from the side of a barn in a farmer’s
field at Iverley in South Staffs. Colleagues from Shropshire
also report a spate of shed burglaries around the Shifnal area.

Please be on your guard and report anything suspicious to the
police immediately.

25th April

This is a warning to members of
Horse Watch and Rural Watch regarding two incidents.

Information has been received that at around 5pm on Wednesday
24th April, persons in a white coloured van
approached stable premises in the Brewood area and grabbed a
three month old Springer Spaniel puppy and a two year old Cocker
Spaniel. Both dogs are bitches. The Cocker escaped and the most
recent information suggests that the puppy has been found
abandoned, possibly because she is chipped and identifiable.

In the second incident at farm premises near to Stafford
Brook Road on the outskirts of Rugeley, at some time during
Saturday 20th April, offenders stole 10 x orange
coloured electric fence clips, which take the place of a gate.
Although not of very high value, the theft left the horses in
the field insecure.

Please be on your guard and report any suspicious activity to
the police immediately.

23rd April

Following the message yesterday, including the theft of a
cattle trailer and attempt theft of a tractor from the Cannock
Wood area of Rugeley, overnight between Monday 22nd
and Tuesday 23rd April, thieves have returned to
address and stolen the tractor.

The tractor is described as an orange coloured Kubota
tractor, part registration DX12C….

Please be on your guard. If you have any information which
may help to identify the offenders or the location of the
tractor, please contact Staffordshire police quoting serial 67
of 23rd April.

22nd April

Overnight between 18-19th April one gas powered
bird scarer and gas bottle have been stolen from a farmer’s
field near to Clive Road in Pattingham. Overnight between Sunday
21st and Monday 22nd April offenders
forced the lock and hinges from a field gate at Cannock Wood
near Rugeley and stole one four wheeled Ifor Williams Cattle
Trailer. A tractor had also been dragged across the field but
abandoned. During the same night in the Huntington area near to
Cannock offenders sawed off a gate post and stole one Ifor
Williams 505 horse trailer.

Colleagues from across the border in Shropshire also report
the recent theft of wire sheep fencing from the Tong Norton area
and two rolls of chicken wire and wooden posts from Coppice
Green.

5th April

This message is regarding a suspicious vehicle and a request
for members of Rural and Horse Watch to be vigilant and report
anything suspicious to the police immediately.

The vehicle is described as a blue coloured Ford Transit van
part registration EX54YZ…

The vehicle has been seen in suspicious circumstances in
Staffordshire and the West Midlands where horse tack is present,
and near to incidents of the theft of equestrian stock including
saddles and bridles.

There were three separate incidents of Bogus Official/ Rogue
Trader type incidents across the County yesterday Thursday 4th
April.

Two of the incidents were in the Cannock area and one in
Stoke on Trent.

Offenders committing this type of crime are known to travel
throughout the County so could you please warn your neighbours
to be on their guard, especially the elderly and vulnerable, and
remind them not to deal with doorstep callers and under no
circumstances should they allow anyone into their homes without
a prior appointment, and even then not before checking and
verifying their ID’s.

This is a message for members of Rural and Horse Watch
regarding two incidents that occurred overnight between
Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th April..

In the first incident 2,000 litres of red diesel have been
stolen from the fuel tank to an irrigation system in a farmer’s
field in the Bradley area. The padlock was forced and the
offenders would have been in a vehicle, but there were no
witnesses.

In the second incident, there has been a burglary at business
premises in the Cannock area where offenders forced a large hole
in the wall of the building and stolen a large number of
saddles. Details are sketchy. A large white van was seen in the
vicinity, but there is currently no further description of the
vehicle or the saddles.

4th April

A large quantity of red diesel has been stolen from farm
premises in Bradley.

It happened sometime between 6pm yesterday 3rd
April and 8am this morning 4th April when offenders
forced a padlock off the fuel tank of an irrigation pump.

It is believed the offenders would have needed a vehicle to
commit this crime and anyone with any information is asked to
contact the police quoting incident number 162 of 4th
April

2nd April

Galvanised gates and two
4x4 vehicles stolen

This is a warning to members of Rural
Watch regarding three incidents.

Overnight between Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st
March, one Landrover Defender vehicle has been stolen from an
address in Rugeley Road, Hednesford, and overnight between
Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd April, one
Toyota Hilux vehicle has been stolen from an address in Weston
Village, near Stafford. In the Penkridge area, hinges were
forced and two large galvanised metal field gates have been
stolen overnight between Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd
April with one other gate stolen during the previous few days.
There were no witnesses.

There has been a spate recently throughout the whole County
whereby headlights have been stolen from Landrover Discovery
vehicles.
The lights, worth hundreds of pounds, are easily stolen as they
are just held in place with a clip.
Police are warning owners of such vehicles to be extra vigilant
and to check their security arrangements.
Where possible vehicles should be parked in a garage or, if
that’s not possible, in a well lit area.
Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police
immediately.

20th March

Cycle thefts press
release

Cyclists across Staffordshire are being urged to check their
privacy settings on smart phone applications used to record
cycle routes.

Between September and December 2012 over 370 cycles were
stolen in areas including Stafford, Stone, Cannock, Rugeley,
Wombourne, Burton, Uttoxeter, Lichfield, Burntwood and Tamworth.

The total cost of the stolen cycles amounts to nearly
£175,000 with an estimated average value of £468 per cycle.

Sgt Dave Morris, from Staffordshire Police has been
investigating the theft of cycles and said: "We have noticed an
increase in the number of high-value cycles being stolen from
sheds and outbuildings across the south of the county.

"Our investigations have shown that some of the victims had
been using websites and mobile phone apps to log their routes -
these sites allow users to view each others routes and track
their rides.

"Some of the GPS data recorded and shared on these sites is
so accurate you can pin point the house where the journey’s have
begun and ended. We suspect some thieves have been using these
sites to identify potential victims and high-value bikes.

"Many of the sites also link to social networking sites to
share routes. Users are urged to check the privacy settings of
any apps they use and avoid using Twitter and Facebook to share
maps of their routes, as these could potentially identify their
home addresses and inadvertently ‘advertise’ the location of
their bike to thieves.

"Alternatively, they can opt to start the tracking function a
few streets away from their home address and stop it again
before returning home.

This is a warning to members of Rural Watch regarding the
spate of thefts of Landrover vehicles.

Between 1am and 8.15am on Sunday 10th March, one
old Landrover vehicle has been stolen from the driveway of an
address in Spring Close, Kinver.

Between 6.30pm and 10.30pm on Saturday 9th March,
there has also been one attempt theft of a Landrover Defender
vehicle from outside an address in Castle Bank, Stafford where a
window was forced and the steering lock and ignition were
damaged. The vehicle was moved a short distance down the road
before being abandoned. There were no witnesses.

If you have any information which may
help to identify the offenders or the location of the stolen
vehicles or if you see anything suspicious please contact the
police immediately. Please warn any friends or neighbours who
own Landrover Defender vehicles to be on their guard.

8th March

Car Insurance Scam

Please find below a press release in relation to a car
insurance scam. Even though this press release is a warning to
the south of the County, it is believed to be a nationwide
fraud.

Residents in South Staffordshire are being warned about a car
insurance fraud. Around 50 addresses in Codsall have been
targeted in recent weeks.

The offenders, under false, foreign names, have
applied for car insurance using addresses of innocent Codsall
residents. The first time the victims find out is when they
receive letters from insurance companies, police or solicitors
regarding vehicles that don't belong to them.

Sgt Matt Walker, from South Staffordshire Local
Policing Team, said: "This scam is a national problem but it
appears that addresses in Codsall are the latest to be targeted.
Residents need not be overly concerned but should respond to any
letters they receive by explaining that the people and vehicles
listed are not registered at their address. The relevant
insurance companies are aware of the fraud and have put in place
additional checks to counter offenders. Anyone with concerns
should ring Staffordshire Police on 101 or visit
www.insurancefraudbureau.org for more information."

1st March

Rural Watch alerts
Please be aware that during the past few days large wooden gates
to fields have been stolen from locations in the Stone policing
area, Bobbington and Seisdon in South Staffs, and during the
daytime on Tuesday 26th February, metal gates were
stolen from a field in the Wombourne area.

Colleagues in Shropshire are warning of vehicles around the
county including the Shifnal area offering cheap chain saws and
socket sets for sale. Vehicles that have been checked out proved
to be legitimate but the items for sale were of poor quality.

Finally there are reports from Shropshire and the Stafford
District of thefts of oil from storage tanks. If you have an oil
storage tank, please open the attachment below to view crime
reduction advice.

Please be on your guard and report anything suspicious to the
police immediately.

Thefts of diesel from fuel storage tanks

22nd February

This is a warning for members of Rural
Watch.

There has been a recent incident just over the Staffordshire
border in the Tong area of Shifnal where around 3,000 litres of
diesel have been stolen from a storage tank at farm premises.
The offenders are thought to be three white males driving a
white coloured Transit van with a low roof.

There have also been two thefts of diesel from an industrial
estate further a field at Much Wenlock where a Landrover was
seen acting suspiciously.

Although there have not been any recent incidents reported in
Staffordshire, please review the security of your fuel tanks and
report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.

More Landrover Defenders
targeted
This is a message for members of Rural Watch.

Following the warning yesterday regarding the theft of a
Landrover Defender vehicle from the Bobbington area of South
Staffs, information has been received from colleagues in
Shropshire that overnight between 14-15th February
one Landrover Defender was stolen from a farm yard in Burwarton
and between 7pm and 9.30pm on Sunday 17th February,
one Landrover Defender was stolen from outside a farm in Little
Stretton.

Please warn any friends or neighbours who own Landrover
Defender vehicles to be on their guard, to keep their vehicles
as secure a possible and to report anything suspicious to the
police immediately.

20th February

Suspicious activity in
Haughton.
There was a suspicious incident on Monday 18th
February at farm premises in the Haughton area.

The incident is believed to have occurred
sometime around midnight.

It would appear that offenders have prised wire
fencing from wooden posts in order to gain entry to outbuildings
at the premises.

Although no entry was gained and nothing was
stolen could you please take this opportunity to review your own
security arrangements and make sure your premises, including
sheds and outbuildings, are as secure as possible at all times.

Any suspicious persons or vehicles should be
reported.

Three messages for Rural
and Poacher Watch
Following a spate of thefts targeting Landrover Defender
vehicles in South Staffs and the Stafford District earlier this
year, one further incident has occurred where overnight between
19-20th February a Landrover Defender has been stolen
from isolated premises in Bobbington, South Staffs. The vehicle
is described as green coloured with a white top and a '54
registration plate.

The second message regards a suspicious vehicle
seen in the Shifnal area at around 9pm on 19th
February and suspected of Hare Coursing or Badger Baiting. The
vehicle is described as a white coloured Vauxhall Astra van part
registration R443 E...

Please follow the link below to view the third
message regarding a stolen agricultural hedge cutter.

Please be on your guard and report anything
suspicious to the police immediately.

14th February

'Scrap
van' seized in Stafford.
This is a good news message for Co-ordinators in Stafford.

During the morning of yesterday Wednesday 13th
February a local officer routinely stop checked a vehicle after
seeing two males taking scrap from a skip in the Reva Road area
of Stafford.

It was discovered that the vehicle, a drop sided
lorry, had no insurance and was therefore seized by the police.

Please reassure your neighbours that
Staffordshire Police do take the issue of rogue scrap collectors
seriously and please continue to report any suspicious vehicles
to the police.

11th February

Bogus Officials in
Woodlands Road.
There has been a bogus official incident this afternoon at a
property in Woodlands Road in the North End of Stafford.

It happened at 3.20pm this afternoon Monday 11th February
when two males knocked on the door of an elderly ladies address
stating they were from the water board and her pipes were
frozen.

The males entered the property and one of them went with her
to the bathroom to turn on the tap.

The other male has then searched the property before they
have both left after stealing a quantity of cash.

One male was described as young while the other was in his
40's, with dark hair and wearing a 3/4 length jacket.

Anyone in the area at the time who may have seen anything
suspicious is asked to contact the police quoting incident
number 393 of 11th February.

Could you also please warn your neighbours to be on their
guard, especially the elderly and vulnerable, and remind them
not to let anyone into their homes without a prior appointment,
and even then not without checking and verifying their I.D.

Warning for motorists.
Motorists are being warned to beware of fraudsters who have
struck numerous times in Staffordshire in recent days.

The offenders usually park in laybys off main
commuter roads and pretend that their car has broken down. They
flag passing vehicles down and then ask for money in exchange
for jewellery or gold that turns out to be fake.

In the past fortnight, the conmen have struck in
various places throughout the county and the wider region.
Crimes have taken place in areas including Lichfield, Blythe
Bridge, Leek, Hixon, Brereton and Wolseley Bridges, near
Rugeley.

The offenders are described as being Asian or
Eastern European in appearance and one of them had a distinctive
scar on his nose. They have used a variety of cars including a
Mercedes, a Fiat Punto and a Volkswagon estate.

Detective Superintendent Juliet Prince, from
Staffordshire Police, said: "The offenders sound plausible and
have already persuaded several victims to part with money.

"We would urge people to be vigilant and if they
are approached to contact police immediately with as much
information as possible about the vehicle or person that
approached them."

Suspicious incident in
Church Eaton area
There was a suspicious incident at farm premises in the High Onn
area of Church Eaton. Following a burglary and theft in January,
it is thought the offenders may have returned last night. A
large pipe was moved in a field, and tyre tracks left, possibly
by a Land Rover or similar. Please be alert to any disturbance
or noise, particularly overnight, and contact the police
immediately to report any incidents.

This is a warning to members of Rural Watch.
Since January 9th, six incidents have been reported
involving Landrover Defender Vehicles.

In Lower Penn and Enville in South Staffs, there
have been two attempts to steal vehicles, and the doors and
bonnet have been stolen from a third vehicle. Overnight between
18-19th January, one ‘M' registered Landrover
Defender was stolen from Pattingham.

More recently, overnight between 1-2nd
February one grey coloured old Landrover Defender vehicle has
been stolen from an isolated address in Clive Road Pattingham
and overnight between Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th
February one Landrover Defender and trailer has been stolen from
farm premises in Brocton, Near Stafford.

If you have any information which may help to
identify the offenders or the location of the stolen vehicles,
or if you see anything suspicious please contact the police
immediately. Please warn any friends or neighbours who own
Landrover Defender vehicles to be on their guard.

1st February

Suspect Bogus Caller
A male knocked on the door of a resident in Fulford, he asked to
see her credit card and she said "I don't have one".She did
however let the male in. He then left.

Her husband was not at home and she does still have her
cards. She does however suffer with Alzheimer's and cannot give
any description. And it is not clear exactly what took place

Be sure you keep an eye on the elderly in your street and if
you have any information that could help call 101 and quote 294
of the 1st. Or use the charity Crime-stoppers anonymously on
0800 555 111

Shotgun cartridges stolen in Shropshire

This is a message for
members of Rural Watch

Overnight between 29th and 30th
January offenders forced entry to a shipping container at
business premises in Marchamley, Shropshire, and stole a
quantity of shotgun cartridges.

The cartridges are described as manufactured by
R.C. in 20, 16 and 12 bore sizes and some Bornaghi 20 gauge. At
least 20 boxes each containing 250 cartridges have been taken.

If you are offered cartridges in dubious
circumstances please contact the police.

29th January

Nottingham Knockers
warning This is a general warning to residents in the Stone
policing area. The police have received information that
doorstep callers are targeting this area offering small
household products for sale. Sometimes called ‘Nottingham
Knockers' these callers may claim to be ex-convicts attempting
to mend their ways, however Nottingham Knockers are not part of
any recognised rehabilitation scheme.

Please warn your neighbours, particularly
elderly or vulnerable neighbours, not to open the door to
strangers or buy or sell on the doorstep. Some doorstep callers
may offer poor quality goods at inflated prices and if a caller
is not genuine, they may be gathering information for future
crime.

Please keep in mind that if cold callers don't
get any sales in your area, they are less likely to return

21st January

This is a message for
members of Poacher Watch and Rural Watch

Occupants of prolific
vehicle spotted Hare Coursing

Following reports at the start of January
regarding a vehicle suspected of Hare Coursing and poaching, the
vehicle has subsequently been seen in Shropshire near to the
Staffordshire border and in the Penkridge area, and at around
3.30pm on Monday 21st January, the vehicle's
occupants were reported Hare Coursing in the Burnhill Green
area.

The vehicle is described as a grey coloured
Landrover Discovery part registration M7 EA... the occupants
were a number of white males aged in their late 20s all wearing
track-suit bottoms and tops, with four Lurcher type dogs and
possibly one Springer Spaniel.

Activities such as poaching and Hare Coursing
can also attract other criminal activity to an area. Please be
vigilant when you are in our rural areas and report any
suspicious activity to the police immediately.

Property stolen from
Church Eaton farms.
There have been outbuildings broken into at neighbouring farm
premises in the High Onn area of Church Eaton.

The incidents occurred overnight Friday 18th/Saturday
19th January when offenders forced entry before
stealing property including tools as well as a quantity of
diesel.

Tyre tracks suggest that two vehicles were used
to take away the stolen property.

Please take time to review your security
arrangements and make sure your properties, including sheds and
outbuildings, are as secure as possible at all times.

Any suspicious persons or vehicles should be
reported to the police immediately.

The following information has been
received from colleagues in Shropshire, who received it from
Hampshire Police.

In the last week, two reports have been received involving
theft of fertiliser. Whilst these have not occurred in
Hampshire, and their intended use is not known, it provides an
opportunity to raise awareness once again about the use and
storage of fertiliser. Terrorist groups around the world have
for many years misused fertilisers to make explosive devices.
The majority of these devices have contained ammonium nitrate
based products, combined with other materials to produce
explosives. Other fertilisers such as urea, potassium nitrate
and sodium nitrate have also been misused. Even in relatively
small quantities, ammonium fertiliser-based explosives can cause
a great deal of destruction.

Please make every effort to store fertiliser away from public
access, never leave it in a field overnight and always store it
out of view from public areas. Wherever possible store it inside
a locked building, carry out frequent stock checks and report
any unexplained stock discrepancy/loss/theft to the police
IMMEDIATELY.

Cold calling alarm
companies.

There have been several reports recently of
residents receiving cold calls from security companies offering
to sell alarm systems that are monitored 24 hours a day.

Such companies have, in the past, been known to use hard sell
tactics and charge extortionate prices so could you please warn
your neighbours to be on their guard, especially the elderly and
vulnerable, and remind them that Police and Trading Standards
advice is never to deal with cold callers.

Anyone requiring any home security products should firstly
obtain three different quotes from three different reputable
companies.

Any suspicious callers should be reported to the police
immediately.

The following
warning has been issued by Trading Standards:

Staffordshire Trading Standards are receiving increasing reports
from people who have been contacted over the telephone by
companies claiming they can protect home computers from viruses.

Alerts have been sent out regarding this type
of scam on numerous occasions over recent months; however
residents are still calling to report being contacted by these
scammers. The scammers claim that your computer had been
infected with a virus, and for a fee they will be able to clear
the virus, and protect you from any future computer infections.

They may be operating under the guise of
Microsoft or Windows, or for companies such as Supportonclick.
Their tactic is to convince the user that something is wrong
with their PC and purchase software that they do not actually
need. The fraudsters use leading, generalised questioning
techniques that often have the effect of convincing the user
that their individual circumstances are known to the calling
company.

Trading Standards advise that effective
online security is crucial, and users should ensure that their
PCs are running up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall
software. However, good security need not be complicated or
expensive - many security vendors provide free versions of their
software for personal use.

PC users are advised to read up on online
security via
www.getsafeonline.org.
They also advise turning off any ‘auto-preview' features in
their email software.

If you think you may have been a victim of
this type scam, please report it to Consumer Direct on 08454 04
05 06.

2012

Suspicious activity at
Stafford farms

Police have
received three separate calls from farmers reporting that a
vehicle has been on their land overnight Thursday 28th/Friday
29th October.

One incident resulted in the death of a Longhorn cattle.

The incidents occurred in Salt, Enson and Coton Clanford and
tyre tracks at the scenes are described as being caused by a 4x4
vehicle.

Please be on your guard and report any suspicious activity or
vehicles to the police immediately.

Piglet Theft

Police are appealing to anyone who has any
knowledge of the theft of piglets from a farm in Little Onn, Stafford.

25 piglets were stolen from the farm
sometime between Saturday 9th and Monday 11th October. The piglets are
quite small and approximately six weeks old.

Anyone with any information is asked to
contact police at Stone on 0300 123 4455, quoting reference 295 of 11
October.

There has been a shed
broken into at a property in The Oaklands, Church Eaton.

The offence occurred sometime between
Friday 27th & Tuesday 31st August when offenders
forced the padlock before stealing a silver bike and two drills.

Please warn your neighbours to be on
their guard and to make sure their properties, including sheds &
outbuildings, are secure at all times. Any suspicious activity should be
reported to the police immediately.

Scrap metal collectors are in your area There have been reports of a white Transit van reg:
BP52 FFG in the
Moreton & Outwoods area the morning of 11th August. The two occupants of
the vehicle were said to be looking for scrap metal but were described
as acting suspiciously.

Any sightings of this vehicle should be
reported to the police on 0300 123 4455.

Please be on your guard and make sure
your property is secure. It is advisable to keep anything of value out
of sight and in a secure location when not being used.

Church Theft
There has been a report of lead flashing being stolen from the roof of
the Church in High Street, Church Eaton. It's not known exactly when the
theft occurred but as it's not the first time could you please ask your
neighbours to be on their guard and to report any suspicious activity to
the police immediately.

Earlier bulletins

Warning for computer users
In 2008 Trading Standards Officers issued a warning of a company known
as supportonclick who were cold calling computer users and claiming to
be representing Microsoft. Their tactic is to convince the user that
something is wrong with their PC and purchase software that they do not
actually need. The fraudsters use leading, generalised questioning
techniques that often have the effect of convincing the user that their
individual circumstances are known to the calling company. Callers often
know the user's name, giving them greater plausibility.

Trading Standards
Officers have issued a renewed warning to computer users to be on their
guard against unsolicited telephone calls from phoney computer support
personnel as Officers have been made aware of further companies: ‘Log me
in Rescue' and ‘Support Virtual' used in association with Support on
Click. These are either the same company as Support on Click or are
copycat scammers.

Officers advise that
effective online security is crucial, and users should ensure that their
PCs are running up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall
software. However, good security need not be complicated or expensive -
many security vendors provide free versions of their software for
personal use.

Officers advise PC users
to read up on online security via
http://www.getsafeonline.org/. They also advise turning off any
‘auto-preview' features in their email software, and encourage all email
users to observe their tips for avoiding email spam (Avoiding
Spam).

If you think you may have
been contact by supportonclick, please report this to Consumer Direct on
08454 04 05 06

Produced: 17th
August 2010

Village burglary
A burglary took place in High Street, Church Eaton in early August.
Don't be Complacent

WARNING !

This is a general warning regarding two current
telephone cold callers:

In the first, a home security and alarm company
is telephoning residents and asking questions regarding their level of home
security and whether they are members of Neighbourhood Watch - the caller goes
on to offer a free consultation visit regarding the installation of a home
security system. Although the installation is offered at a low price, further
investigation reveals that monthly monitoring fees are exceptionally high.
Advice is that anyone considering purchasing home security should get at least
three quotes from reputable companies before making a decision.

The second cold caller is a scam offering to
register residents with the Telephone Preferencing Service, to reduce unwanted
cold caller telephone calls for a fee of almost £20. The caller asks for bank or
credit card details. Please note that registering with the telephone
Preferencing Service is FREE other than the cost of your phone call and can be
done by calling 0845-070-070-7

Did you know that Chase Policing area saw a 7% drop
in crime when comparing the 12 months April - March 2009-10 with the same period
2008-09.

Help us to reduce crime even further by taking some simple
precautions:

Keep all doors and windows
locked or secured not just when you’re out, but also when you’re at home but in
another room

Lock away tools and gardening
equipment, especially ladders, after use so that they can’t be used by an
opportunist thief

If you go on holiday, it’s a
good idea to make your home look occupied by using timer switches on lights and
radio, and ask trusted neighbours to keep an eye out.

Leaner and smarter

The Chase Policing Division newsletter is going to change. It has
been produced in its current form for nearly ten years and from the next edition
in August, there will be a new look. The newsletter will be shorter, but more
copies will be available.

Before the current newsletter, there was a publication some of
you will remember called ‘The Citizen’ and copies were available from local
pick-up points where Coordinators could collect them for distribution to their
members. With the new look edition of the newsletter due to be published in
August 2010 we are once again going to provide that service. As Coordinators,
you will still receive your copy of the newsletter direct and messages will be
sent to you by OWL, informing you of when extra copies of the newsletter will be
available and the locations of your local pick-up points.

We hope that many of you will make use of this new service and
distribute copies of the newsletter to your members. The new service will keep
more members directly informed, encouraging them to be more active and to take
some simple precautions to protect their homes and property. We’ll also be
encouraging members to pass information to the police, council and other
agencies – to help to maintain the quality of life in their area.

PRIZE QUIZ

APRIL
- MAY PRIZE WINNER

Kerry Wright, Cannock
Chase Community Safety Officer, drew the two winning entries out of a hat. Mrs
Hooley and Mr Price, both from the Rugeley area, correctly stated that Doorstep
crime is the type of crime that can be stopped if we don’t deal with strangers
on the doorstep.

OWL SUCCESS

During the Bank Holiday
weekend at the start of May, when the Watch Managers were not on duty, Great
Bridgford’s Coordinator was informed by a villager that there had been a
suspected theft from a car. Because he has registered an e-mail address with OWL
and because most of his members receive OWL messages by e-mail, he was able to
use the OWL system himself to inform members of his Neighbourhood Watch of the
incident and perhaps preventing further crime.

If you have access to the
Internet, please consider receiving OWL messages by e-mail. An e-mail message
can provide more information than a message sent by telephone and members who
register an e-mail address also receive a password to visit the OWL web-site
which contains lots of useful local information.

As a Coordinator, you can
also manage your own Neighbourhood Watch scheme from the OWL web site and if you
choose, you can send your own messages by e-mail to your scheme members using
OWL – but only if you have encouraged your members to register their e-mail
addresses.

If you would like further
information on how to manage your own scheme and send occasional
e-mail messages using OWL, or if you or any member of your scheme would like to
swap to receiving OWL messages by e-mail please contact the Chase Watch Team.

Contact details are on
page 8.

TIPS FROM COORDINATORS

Ed, Chadsmoor

Beware the scam e-mail
purporting to be from HM Revenue & Customs. The e-mail states that after an
upgrade of their computer system it has been discovered that you are due a
rebate of several hundred pounds for overpaid tax and that because of the high
volume of refunds due, you must complete the on-line application form. The form
is attached to the e-mail and asks for personal information including bank and
debit/credit card details.

Rita, Chadsmoor

A scam letter is being
circulated which purports to be from an employee of a bank in China who had a
customer with your same last name. The bank invested money for this customer and
the account contains thousands of US dollars. Unfortunately, the customer died
and has no next of kin. The employee states that he is the only one that has
access to the account and rather than the money be claimed by the state, he is
willing to split it with you if you help him to get the money out of China.
You’re asked to respond promptly to the letter – I will guess that if you do,
the next contact will be to ask for your bank details.

DID YOU KNOW?

Last year reported
incidents of anti-social behaviour dropped by 18% in Staffordshire and 85% of
victims were satisfied with the service provided by Staffordshire Police. The
new performance year began in April 2010 and during the first month 93% of
victims were satisfied with the service provided to them, an increase of 8%.

Peace of Mind While You’re Away

If you’re off on holiday
this year, the leaflet ’Peace of Mind While You’re Away’ provides common-sense
precautions to make your home and belongings more secure. The leaflet is
available FREE from the Chase Watch Team. Contact numbers are on page 8.

‘ICE’

Do you have a mobile
phone? If so, two useful numbers to keep in your mobile’s address book are
Staffordshire Police non-emergency number, and ‘ICE’ (‘In Case of
Emergency’).

The idea is that
under the word ‘ICE’ you store the number of a person that you would want
contacted in case of an emergency. In an emergency situation it is then easy
for the ambulance or the other emergency staff to find out your next of kin
and get in touch with them. For more than one contact name use ‘ICE 1’, ‘ICE
2’ etc.

Take Care of Personal Possessions

We tend to be out and
about more in the summer months and often carry a variety of personal
possessions with us – for example mobile phones, keys, cash, debit and credit
cards, personal organisers and cameras.

Cars should be left
secure and in a bright, busy area with all valuables removed.

Trading Standards
Warnings

Fake
Amazon e-mails

Beware e-mails purporting
to be from the on-line retailer Amazon. They claim to be a confirmation for high
value goods such as televisions being shipped to the recipient’s address. The
attached .zip file appears to be a word document but in fact is malware that
will compromise the security of the computer. Advice is not to open the
attachments and to delete the e-mails immediately.

Unwanted telephone calls

Cut down on cold-calling
telephone calls by registering with the telephone preference service (details on
page 8). To stop silent calls from cold callers, ring the Silent Call Guard on
0844-372-2325. Registration is free and lasts for 12 months. Also beware of
calls that ask you to press a number for further information as this could
transfer you to a premium rate line which could cost £1.50 per minute.

Will Con

Letters have been sent
out by an unregulated group of Will writers stating that a rule change means
that some wills are invalid because each page isn’t numbered and signed. They
con unsuspecting victims into paying for their wills to be re-written. The
Probate Registry confirms there has been no such change and wills only need to
be signed and witnessed on the back.

LOCAL NEWS

Cannock & Rugeley NPUs

Introducing Oliver

Oliver Greatbach is the
new Victim & Witness Champion for anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Cannock Chase.
He aims to provide an enhanced level of emotional and practical support to those
most affected by ASB. Anyone who has been affected by ASB and would like to talk
to Oliver can contact him on his mobile telephone number: 07938-487564

Speeders Fined

A one day initiative in
Cannock and Rawnsley saw 15 tickets issues to motorists for speeding, nine
tickets for not wearing a seatbelt, one for driving without a valid MOT and one
for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

Off-Road Bikes Seized

A number of off-road
bikes have been seized around the Lime Lane, Newlands Road area in Norton Canes.
PC Lucy Spicer said “Generally they do not have insurance and the financial
penalty for getting the bikes back is so extreme that the owners don’t bother
reclaiming them. The bikes then end up being crushed.”

Dog A.I.D. (Assistance in
Disability)

Dog AID is a national
voluntary organisation which specialises in training for people with
disabilities and their own pet dog and can include training the dog to perform
specialised tasks to help the owner. Our local branch of Dog AID is holding a
Summer Fair at Avon & Leisure Centre (near Asda in Cannock) on Saturday 14th
June. They are in need of raffle and tombola prizes and volunteers to man
stalls. There is also an opportunity for organisations to have their own free
stand (any money taken to be split 50/50 with the organisation and Dog AID).

For further information
please contact Erica and Allan Bennett by mid-June on 01543-270026 or by e-mail
at: bennett.erica@talk21.com

Stafford & Stone NPUs

Scrap Van Seized

A Transit van used being
used to tout for scrap metal in the Eccleshall area has been seized by police.
The driver was issued with a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice and given six penalty
points for failing to have the correct insurance for collecting and transporting
scrap metal. The driver was also given advice regarding his amplified bugle
which was in contrary to the Control of Pollution Act 1974.

Drug Arrest

A Warrant executed at an
address in the Doxey area resulted in one man being arrested on suspicion of
possessing a quantity of Class B drugs

Right Stuff Charity Event

A Sparathon charity event
held at Rowley Park Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday was organised by PC Andy
Whitehall and the Right Stuff boxing clubs and raised £2,200

Wombourne & Watling
Street NPUs

Cannabis Successes

A tip-off led to a
Warrant being served on a house in the Huntington area, where police officers
discovered
almost 50 Cannabis plants and growing equipment.

In Pattingham, two men
have been arrested and charged after a local resident reported them as behaving
suspiciously. Following police enquiries, more than 130 cannabis plants were
seized from a local house.

Sgt Matt Walker from
Wombourne said “Our message to drug dealers and criminals is simple – we are not
going away and will continue working with partners to rid communities of the
scourge of drug dealing”.

Injunction Extended

A High Court Injunction
on an area of Penkridge used by travellers has been extended after South Staffs
Council stepped up its action against the illegal site.

Caravans moved onto the
site in November 2009 and the council refused retrospective planning permission
on the site in January 2010. the Injunction, due to expire during May has been
extended until the planning appeal process is completed and prevents any further
building on the site and prevents any further people coming onto the site.

Doorstep Crime Quiz

Do you keep your
front and back doors locked at all times?

YES/NO

Do you keep your windows closed
and secure in all of your unoccupied rooms?

YES/NO

Do you keep your money in a bank
or building society (and not hidden somewhere at home)?

YES/NO

Do you inform near neighbours when
you receive an important OWL warning message from Neighbourhood Watch?

YES/NO

Do you check who is at the door
before opening it?

YES/NO

Do you keep your door shut except
when the caller has an appointment?

YES/NO

Do you call the police if you see something suspicious or
if someone suspicious comes to your door?

YES/NO

Do you know how to contact the
police in an emergency?

YES/NO

Do you know how to contact the
police if your call is not an emergency?

YES/NO

Do you know who your local Neighbourhood Beat Officer (NBO)
or Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) is?

YES/NO

Do you know how to contact your Neighbourhood Beat
Officer or Police Community Support Officer?

YES/NO

Is your house number clearly visible from the street so
that emergency services can find your address easily?

YES/NO

IF YOU ANSWERED ‘NO’
TO ANY OF THE QUESTIONS,

NOW IS THE TIME TO DO
SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

CONTACT THE CHASE
WATCH TEAM:

Vicki
Singleton telephone 01543-464218

Ash Connor
telephone 01785-234129

Ray Jones
telephone 01785-234427

Bogus doorstep callers
are professional criminals who earn their living by tricking their way into
resident’s homes. They distract the resident while they steal money or other
valuables.

We can STOP these crimes from being committed by
encouraging neighbours to take control of their doorstep and to keep their doors
and windows secure so that no one can enter a home unless they are invited.

STOP and
think – if you’re not expecting a caller and they don’t have an appointment,
don’t let them in

CHAIN – use
the door chain before opening the door

CHECK – ask
to see identification and double check this by calling the company they are
representing, before letting anyone into your home

If in any
doubt call ‘999’ immediately

Important Telephone Numbers

Staffordshire Police
Emergency Telephone Number
In the case of an emergency call
999

Staffordshire
Police
0300-123-44-55 Non Emergency Number

For all non-emergency
calls. The call handler will transfer you to the most appropriate person to deal
with your enquiry

Staffordshire
Fire & Rescue 08451 22 11 55
Non Emergency Number

For information and
advice

Staffordshire Trading
Standards 01785 277888

For free information,
advice and assistance to consumers

Staffordshire
Trading Standards 0777 379 2252

24 hour Rapid Response
Team

They can advise or
respond to anyone in the Community who thinks that they are being targeted by a
rogue doorstep trader. The team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In an emergency call
999

Crimestoppers 0800
555 111

To pass specific
information about crime or criminals anonymously and without direct contact
with the police. Calls are FREE from land lines and most mobile phones.
The service is anonymous and rewards of up to £1,000 are available for
information that leads to an arrest and charge.

Cannock Chase District Council
01543-462621

Stafford Borough Council
01785-619000

South Staffordshire District Council
01902-696000

Age Concern
01785 788499

For general
enquires,information and advice

Boing
(UK) Ltd
0800 587 0548

Boing UK Ltd works in
partnership with Staffordshire Police in providing a free telephone service to
the public, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. If you have a personal
emergency, and need non-police help, Boing have a data base of local traders and
services such as plumbers, glaziers and tree surgeons, and they can provide
information about local services such as late night chemists and 24 hour petrol
stations.

Clarence
0800 23
23 23

Staffordshire County
Council have a Customer
Lighting And Roads
ENquiry CEntre for residents to report
problems with roads, pavements, street lighting and blocked road drains.

Call CLARENCE free of charge between 8am –
6pm

Consumer
Direct 08454 04 05 06

Provides practical
consumer advice on all kinds of consumer issues from problems with cars to
faulty household appliances

Domestic Violence

Staffordshire Women’s
Aid (for women) 0870 2700 123

Victim support (for
men) 01785 715666

Confidential, specialist
advice or someone to talk to about all aspects of domestic violence

Fly tipping

Report incidents of fly
tipping to your local council on the following numbers:

Cannock Chase District
Council 01543 462621

Stafford
Borough 01785 619401

South Staffs
Council 01902 696000

Preferencing Services

To cut down on telephone
cold-calling 0845 070 0707.

The call must be made
from the telephone number receiving the unwanted calls. You can also use this
number to reduce the number of unwanted text messages to your mobile phone.

To reduce cold-calling
Fax messages 0845 070 0702

To cut down on personally
addressed junk mail. 0845-703-4599 Allow at least four months before you
will see a reduction in the amount you receive.

Staffordshire &
Stoke-on-Trent

Trader
Register 01785 330888

The
Trader Register aims to reassure consumers, providing advice and information on
employing a trader and working together to get things right first time. The
Register covers all aspects of home improvement and repair work, including
building, carpentry, external property repairs, decorating and home security. To
contact the register please call between 10am and 4pm

THE CHASE WATCH TEAM

We provide members of
Neighbourhood Watch and other Watches with support, guidance and advice:

April - May 2010

Trading Standards Officers have issued a renewed
warning to computer users to be on their guard against unsolicited
telephone calls from phoney computer support personnel.

In 2008 Officers issued a warning about the practices of a company
known as supportonclick who were cold calling computer users and
claiming to be representing Microsoft. Their tactic is to convince
the user that something is wrong with their PC and purchase software
that they do not actually need. The fraudsters use leading,
generalised questioning techniques that often have the effect of
convincing the user that their individual circumstances are known to
the calling company. Callers often know the user's name, giving them
greater plausibility. The Service has continued to receive
complaints about the Indian-based company and are advising computer
users to remain vigilant.
Officers advise that effective online security is crucial, and users
should ensure that their PCs are running up-to-date anti-virus,
anti-spyware and firewall software. However, good security need not
be complicated or expensive - many security vendors provide free
versions of their software for personal use.
Officers advise PC users to read up on online security via
http://www.getsafeonline.org/. They also advise turning off any
‘auto-preview' features in their email software, and encourage all
email users to observe their tips for avoiding email spam.
If you think you may have been contact by supportonclick, please
report this to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

The incidents of doorstep crime often increase in Spring. The
good news is that this type of crime can be STOPPED

Please help to reduce the opportunities for doorstep crime by
reminding neighbours –particularly elderly or vulnerable neighbours that if we
do not to open the door to strangers or deal with unexpected doorstep callers,
doorstep crime cannot be committed.

Anyone that deals with strangers on the doorstep runs the risk of
being identified by doorstep criminals and targeted more than once to become not
only the victim of overcharging and poor workmanship, but a possible target for
a bogus caller.

Seasonal Warning – Protect Your Shed

In the old days, most garden sheds were probably used to keep a
few garden tools and a lawn mower, but times have changed and for many of us,
the shed is a convenient storage option for bulky valuables such as fishing
equipment, golf clubs, power tools and mountain bikes – all attractive to the
thief.

Spring often sees an increase in the reports of shed burglaries.
Some of these may have occurred during Winter when sheds were not being used,
but some will be new crimes, with criminals targeting the valuables kept in
sheds now that the better weather provides more opportunities to sell them.

Please consider security marking all the property stored in your
shed. Your lawn mower will be harder to sell with your post-code and house
number painted across it.

Consider a shed alarm. Most criminals will flee empty handed when
the alarm sounds, rather than risk being seen and identified. Alarms are cheap
and available from most DIY stores.

For further information about securing your shed, contact the
Chase Watch Team for a free booklet. Contact details are on page 8.

Preen Your Scheme

There has been a good response following the article in the
February-March newsletter regarding the OWL message system, and more members of
Neighbourhood Watch have opted to receive the OWL warning messages direct – many
by e-mail.

We would still like to increase the number of Watch members
receiving the OWL messages: The more members who receive the information direct,
the faster a message can be spread across the scheme area.

Please promote OWL to your scheme members. If they have access to
the Internet, there are great advantages in members receiving messages by
e-mail. We can send more information than by telephone, and the OWL website
provides lots of useful local information. Because many people only check their
e-mail occasionally during the day, if members with e-mail addresses have also
registered a telephone number, occasionally, when there is a very urgent
message, such as a report of a bogus caller in the area, we will over-ride
preferences and strive to send those urgent warnings by telephone.

If any members of your scheme would like swap from receiving OWL
messages by telephone and receive future messages by e-mail, they just need to
contact the Chase Watch Team with their e-mail address. Members who don’t
currently receive the OWL messages direct and who would like to register simply
need to fill in a data protection form. The forms are available from the Chase
Watch Team.

As part of this year’s spring-cleaning, do members of your scheme
need bright, new Neighbourhood Watch stickers and ‘we don’t buy or sell at the
door’ cards do display in their windows? They’re free and available from the
Chase Watch Team – just let us know how many you require.

THIS MONTH TWO WINNING ENTRIES WILL
RECEIVE A PURSE SNATCH CHAIN AND A VIBRATION ALARM FOR USE ON DOORS OR WINDOWS

The silver coloured snatch chains are approximately 14 inches
long with a spring hook on one end and a slit ring on the other. One end can be
attached to your purse or wallet and the other to your handbag or clothing to
deter pick-pockets and thieves. The battery operated vibration alarm is attached
by the adhesive pad to a door or window. If it is disturbed by vibration, it
will sound for approximately 20 seconds and then re-arm.

This month’s question is:

What sort of crime can be
STOPPED if we don’t deal with strangers on the doorstep?

(The answer is in the
newsletter)

Telephone 01543-464218 or
01785-234129 with your answer, or post it to:

Results and correct answer will be published
in the June-July newsletter

FEBRUARY - MARCH PRIZE WINNER

PC Lisa Deans, Stafford
Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinator, drew the two winning entries out of a hat. Mr
L. E English, Stafford and Mr Stan Davies, Hazel Slade, correctly stated that
the Scamnesty campaign was to run in February 2010

TIPS FROM COORDINATORS

Vivienne, Codsall

Beware telephone and
Broadband companies who cold-call at the door and try to get you to change your
supplier. One such incident occurred in Codsall where female doorstep callers
were reluctant to give the resident any written information about their offer
and asked to enter the house to make an 0800 phone call to check that the
resident was eligible before providing written information. The resident
declined. In the past, some cold-callers that have been allowed in have used
very hard-sell techniques.

Dusty, Shropshire border

Phone scams continue: a
caller may try to solicit your bank details by claiming that you are owed a
refund or try to get you to dial a premium rate number as part of the
application process for a loan.

Lou, Stafford and Anthea,
South Staffs

Be on your guard when
answering the phone. There is a scam where a caller purports to be from
something like the ‘Security & Fraud’ department with a credit card company and
purports to be checking a purchase made on your card because it is suspected of
being fraudulent. When you agree that you didn’t make the purchase, the caller
states that they will be issuing you with a credit for the amount of the
purchase … all they need is for you to give them the three digit security number
on your credit card so they can verify it. This scam concludes with purchases
being charged to your card by these criminals.

Andy, Rugeley

Credit cards and debit cards are at risk of theft by teams of
criminals targeting shoppers who have used an ATM machine. One of the team will
have been nearby and noted the number when the PIN was put into the machine.
When the shopper returns to the car and puts shopping and handbag in the
vehicle, a member of the criminal team approaches and distracts the shopper by
asking directions while flourishing a map. During the distraction, an accomplice
steals debit/credit cards from the handbag, but leaves everything else in place,
so that the theft isn’t obvious, and the cards will be used at the nearby cash
machines almost immediately.

Be very cautious at ATM machines and don’t let anyone see your
PIN number and when loading shopping into the car keep it locked while you
return the shopping trolley and if anyone approaches you, make sure the car is
locked before talking to them.

Janet, Stafford

Another telephone scam is
from a caller purporting to be from a reputable and certified partner of
Microsoft who has detected faults on your computer. After some preamble, the
caller offers a five year warranty that the caller claims will keep the computer
up to date. Only after a long conversation does the caller mention the charge
for this supposed service. Always check out any company before accepting their
services. A look on Google revealed the names of several companies operating
similar scams.

Allan, South Staffs

Inheritance scams are
still circulating, targeting individuals and purporting that someone of the same
last name has died abroad leaving millions of pounds unclaimed, and with no next
of kin. The letter purports that as the recipient has the same last name, they
could share in the funds if they are willing to follow instructions to complete
the transaction. The first step is to provide the letter writer with telephone
or e-mail contact details so that the transaction can begin. Anyone who replies
would then be asked for such things as personal and bank details and for a
deposit of some monies (often hundreds of pounds) for processing fees, taxes or
other reasons.

LOCAL NEWS

CANNOCK & RUGELEY NPUs

Rugeley Children Educate Parents

Parking problems are being given a fresh approach at one Rugeley
school. PCSO Liz Dale and Rugeley fire fighters have talked to the children
about the importance of road safety and considerate parking, even taking along
a fire engine so that children could see the size of the vehicle that would need
access through the road in case of an emergency. Each class of pupils at Hob
Hill Primary school in Armitage Lane have designed a poster to display outside
the school to educate parents and local residents and parents have been asked to
park on just one side of the road during school opening and closing times to
allow access for emergency vehicles.

Home comforts

Have you heard about the Home Comforts Furniture Reuse Project?
The project covers Cannock North, East and South, Hednesford North, Brereton &
Ravenhill and Hagley. Reusable furniture is available at low cost to anyone
experiencing difficult circumstances. Home Comforts is based at Hawkes Green and
they can also arrange to view reusable furniture that you no longer require and
arrange collection.

Home Comforts needs more volunteers and there are opportunities
in Business Administration, Customer Service, Warehousing and Stock
Distribution, Stock Maintenance and Drivers Assistants to name but a few.

For more information about Home Comforts call Donna on
01543-467555

STREET WARDENS

Cannock & Rugeley Street Wardens offer
support to residents, they work with young people in and outside school and
work with other agencies to help resolve local problems such as nuisance and
anti-social behaviour. Contact them on 01543-437430

STAFFORD & STONE NPUs

Bobbies on the Run

Two teams from Staffordshire Police have raised money for this
year’s Sports Relief by running along routes that take in some of the force’s
major police stations.

One team covered the more northern part of the area taking in
Hanley and Newcastle before ending in Stone while a second team started at
Stafford Police Station, visited the Weston Road headquarters and then made
their way to Stone to rendezvous with their colleagues

WOMBOURNE & WATLING NPUs

Featherstone in the Limelight

Featherstone Neighbourhood Watch is going from
strength-to-strength.

Since receiving the Best Practice Award from National
Neighbourhood Watch (only one of five schemes to be recognised in this way in
the Midland area), the scheme has been visited by members of Neighbourhood Watch
schemes from around the country eager to learn more about their success and how
they can do the same, and recently members of the Neighbourhood Watch featured
on Radio West Midlands along with Professor Carl Chin looking into the mysteries
of the iron chain around the Featherstone oak tree. Was it used in past times
for tethering horses or as part of the ducking stool sited at the now
disappeared Featherstone lake?

Members of Featherstone Neighbourhood Watch have also been
instrumental in the preparations to set up a Junior Neighbourhood Watch for 7-11
year olds at a local school. The group is going to be called the ‘Owletts’.

Seasonal Crime

Bicycles

Bicycle thefts often increase in spring.

At home, keep your bike secure and locked at all times

When out, always lock your bike, even if you are only leaving it
for a few minutes

Avoid parking your bike in isolated or dimly-lit places where a
thief is less likely to be seen

Get a good bike lock. Hardened steel D shaped locks are
recommended as the minimum standard. A local bike shop can advise, or go to www.soldsecure.com

When you leave your bike, lock it to an immovable object: Use a
bike rack if you can or lock it to a lamp post or sturdy railings

Secure the removable parts of your bike such as wheels and take
smaller parts such as quick-release saddles and lights with you.

Consider having your bike security marked to make it easily
identifiable

Garden ornaments and Furniture

The theft of garden ornaments, furniture and planters is another
Spring/Summer trend. Consider the security of your property and remember that
valuable planters and ornaments are safer in the back garden where passers by
can’t see them.

Secure garden furniture using an anchoring device to make it
harder to move. These can also be used to protect expensive planters and
ornamental trees.

Use brackets to protect hanging baskets.

Consider security marking your valuables. If they would be
difficult to mark, take a photograph of them to help with identification if the
worst happens and they are stolen.

Unlocked Doors and Windows

In over 25% of all house burglaries, the criminal doesn’t break
in – they climb in through an insecure window or walk in through an unlocked
door. As the warmer weather arrives, it’s easy to forget how important it is to
keep out homes secure to protect them from opportunist criminals.

Even a small window can attract an opportunist burglar. They may
be agile enough to climb through, or may just reach through to open a larger
window to gain entry.

Unlocked rear doors attract opportunist thieves who only take
seconds to grab the valuables such as handbags, mobile phones and keys left near
to the door.

Keep doors and windows secure and locked not just when you go
out, but in any unoccupied rooms when you are at home or in the garden, and
watch out for any strangers approaching the rear of your neighbour’s property –
rear doors and windows are often out of sight and give a criminal more time to
break in. Always tell the police immediately if you see anything suspicious.

Check out scrap dealers and other
companies in your area
The Environment Agency has a register of the businesses licensed to operate in
your area. Searches can be made on a company name, license/permit number, by
postcode, or town to check that anyone operating locally is licensed. The
register includes scrap merchants and covers business licensed for the
following:

The Financial Services Authority is aware of a
number of bogus communications claiming to be from the Financial Services
Authority (FSA) or the Financial Ombudsman (FOS) which ask the recipient for
personal information or money.

The bogus communications are often in the form
of letters or e-mails and they sometimes use the name of a current of former
employer. It is believed that the communications are likely to be linked to
fraud and you are strongly advised not to respond to them.

If you are in doubt about the authenticity of
any communications from he FSA please contact 0845-606-1234. For doubts about
communications from the FOS please contact 0845-080-1800

Bank Charges Scam

Cold callers are offering to help householders
reclaim bank charges on their behalf. They may claim to be from the Office of
Fair Trading (OFT) and ask for personal and financial details. The OFT will
never contact a householder direct to ask for such information.

Bank Card Verification Scam

The scam e-mails purport to be from
Interswitch Nigeria and that new security measures are being introduced. They
ask you to register your debit card details along with contact details so that a
verification code can be sent to you. There is a warning that if you don’t
respond, your debit card will be terminated within 48 hours. Advice is not to
open such e-mails but forward them to: spoof@millersmiles.co.uk or reportphishing@antiphishing.org

IN BRIEF

CCTV Success

The culprit responsible for damaging a number of cars in a
Cannock street in the early hours of one Saturday morning was identified by
evidence from a resident’s CCTV camera and promptly dealt with by the Police.

Tractor Recovered

Information from a member of the public led to the recovery of a
valuable farm tractor stolen several months ago. The information led officers to
an address in the Codsall area where a man and a woman were arrested on
suspicion of theft and handling

Damage Paid For

A police Officer driving down a road in the Chadsmoor area
spotted a youth kick and damage a drainpipe. The officer spoke with the
householder, who was happy for the youth to pay for the damage, before escorting
the youth to his parent’s address.

Cloning Arrests

Following reports of the attempted use of cloned credit cards at
Norton Canes and Stafford service stations, Police have arrested four men on
suspicion of credit card fraud at a Norton Canes service station.

Thief Arrested

A quick-thinking neighbour took the vehicle registration number
of a man who was acting suspiciously in the Great Wyrley area. The man told the
neighbour that he had permission from the householder to take items including
valuable electrical coil from a garden, but when the theft came to light, the
neighbour was able to give the registration number to the police and the
offender was quickly traced and charged with theft.

Operation Nemesis Arrest

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of cultivating
cannabis in a house in the Heath Hayes area following a warrant exercised under
Operation Nemesis, which aims to stamp out drug activity and make communities
safer.

PC Dean Cooper, Neighbourhood Officer for Heath Hayes said “Drug
related activity can affect the quality of life for everyone in our communities
and local residents should take comfort from the knowledge that by working with
the police, we can remove this type of activity from the streets of
Staffordshire.

Operation Crackdown

Officers working with Her Majesties Courts Service (HMCS) to
catch fine-dodgers have arrested 21 people in the Chase area. £2,265 has been
collected in fines.

Thief Identified by Witnesses

A local man who entered a public house in the Cannock area as a
legitimate customer, but then sneaked into the staff only area and stole
property was witnessed by staff who recognised the offender and identified him
to the police

Did You Know?

(With thanks to Philip, Stafford)

Under extreme conditions microwaved water and other liquids do
not always bubble when they reach boiling point and can become superheated. The
superheated liquid will then bubble up out of the container when it is moved or
something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it.

To reduce the chances of this happening and causing injury, it is
advisable not to heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup and to let
the cup stand for 30 seconds before moving it or adding anything into it.

Inserting an object into the liquid for the heating time can
minimise the risk (for example a wooden spoon, or wooden skewer) and it is a
sensible precaution not to heat a liquid for longer than recommended. When
moving the heated liquid consider protecting your hands, and keep your face well
away from the container.

NEWSLETTER

June - July 2009

What’s In Your Garage?

With the warmer weather, have you considered a late
Spring-clean?

To help to combat incidents of car crime, why not clear out
the garage and make space for your car? If your car is secure and parked in
your locked garage it is protected from damage, less likely to be broken
into and less likely to be stolen.

To combat the incidents where car keys are stolen from a
house and then used to steal a resident’s car, follow this simple crime
reduction advice:

Keep your home secure with doors locked and windows
secure in any unoccupied rooms.

Keep your car keys in a safe place out of sight and away
from doors and windows

Consider fitting a small safe which can be used to store
spare keys, small valuables and personal documents

If you buy a new car, make sure that any security device
is approved by the insurance industry

NEVER leave valuables or personal possessions unattended
in your vehicle. Remove the stereo if possible

When you leave your vehicle, always ensure that all
windows, doors and sunroofs are closed and securely locked, and that any
alarms and immobilisers are switched on

Particularly if your vehicle is of high value, consider
having a tracking device system fitted

Remember, an insurance company may not look favourably on any
claim where it has been made easy for the criminal

Are You Making the
Most of OWL?

If you don’t currently receive the
Neighbourhood Watch OWL messages but would like to do so, or if you have any
queries or concerns about the new Neighbourhood Watch OWL messages, if you
would like to change the time periods for receiving messages or the method
by which messages are received, please contact the Chase Watch Team. Contact
details are on page eight.

Remember: If you chose to receive OWL
messages by e-mail, you have the added benefit of access to the OWL web site
which has lots of useful, local information, everything from local crime
statistics, property prices and information about your local police and
councillors to a means of reporting such things as broken street lights and
fly tipping

PRIZE QUIZ

THIS MONTH TWO WINNING ENTRIES
WILL RECEIVE A DOOR MINDER ALARM

The alarm hangs on the inside of
the door handle. If an intruder touches the external door handle the alarm
will emit a loud siren. As soon as the door handle is released the siren
will stop and the alarm will re-arm itself and activate if the door handle
is touched again.

This month’s question is:

What should you keep in
your garage?

a) An old three piece
suite, b) The car, c) Junk

(The answer is in the
newsletter)

Telephone 01543-464218 or
01785-234129 with your answer, or post it to:

Results and correct answer will
be published in the August September newsletter

APRIL - MAY PRIZE WINNER

Crime Reduction
Officer Mark Dodd drew the three winning entries out of a hat. Mrs Wilson,
Penkridge, Mr Price, Rugeley and Mrs Lyne, Stafford, all correctly stated
that the Neighbourhood Watch newsletter is published every two months.

Digital TV Reminder

The
Central Television area is planned to switch from analogue to digital
television in 2011, and there is the potential for rogue traders to take
advantage of the changeover.

The
changeover is being managed by Digital UK, a non-profit making organisation.
No-one from Digital UK will call on a householder without first making an
appointment. Carefully check the identity of any doorstep caller and ring
the company to check that the caller is genuine BEFORE opening the door and
letting them in. Always turn away any cold callers. About 60% of households
already have digital TV, but if you only receive BBC1, BBC2, ITV, channels
4 and 5, you may need to convert by 2011 to continue to watch after the
switchover. Going digital can be simple and inexpensive. For further
information, Digital UK has a help line on: 08456-50-50-50 or visit their
web site at:
www.digitaluk.co.uk

An Internet Warning

After tossing her books into the lounge, she
decided to grab a snack and get on-line. She logged in under her screen name
‘byAngel1213’ and checking her buddy list, saw that GoTo123 was on. She sent
him an instant message;

ByAngel1213

Hi, I’m glad
you’re on! I thought someone was following me home from school today

GoTo123

You watch too much
TV. Why would anyone follow you? You live in a safe neighbourhood.

Did you have a
basketball game after school today?

ByAngel1213

Yes and we won!

GoTo123

That’s great! Who
did you play?

ByAngel1213

We played the
Hornets

GoTo123

What’s your team
called?

ByAngel1213

We are the Top
Cats

GoTo123

Did you score?

ByAngel1213

No, I play in
defence. I got to go. My homework has to be done before my parents
get home. I don’t want them to be mad at me. Bye.

Meanwhile GoTo123 searched on-line for
ByAngel1213’s profile. When it came up, he highlighted what he knew about
her so far: Her name is Shannon, Birthday 3rd January, age 13
years, Her hobbies are basketball and skating. He knew she lived in
Charlestown because she told him. He knew she stayed on her own after
school, he knew that on Thursday evenings she played basketball after school
and that number 7 was printed on her jersey. He knew she attended St Mary’s
High School – she had told him all of this on-line. He had enough
information to find her now.

The following Thursday Shannon saw a man
staring at her during the basketball game. GoTo123 noticed the number 7 and
Shannon’s name on her jersey and he knew that he had found her. Quietly, he
followed a safe distance behind her as Shannon walked home. Once he saw
where she lived, he returned to his car and waited.

Shannon was in her room later that evening
when she heard voices in the living room and her father called her. He
sounded upset and when she went into the room she saw the man from the park
sitting there. Her father said “This man has just told us a most interesting
story about you”.

The man said to Shannon “I am a police
officer and your on-line friend GoTo123. I know I told you that I was 14
years old and lived in Sydney, but that wasn’t true, and although you never
told me your full name or address, you gave me enough information to be able
to find you. I came here today to teach you how dangerous it is to talk to
strangers on-line. Some bad people pretend to be kids on-line and if they
find someone the way I found you, they could do them harm”.

With thanks to Crime Reduction Officer Phil
Russon

Advanced Fee Scam

Beware letters or e-mails originating in Nigeria
purporting to want help to get money out of the country with the use of
a foreign bank account, and offering a share of a large sum of money to
anyone who will help. This fraud is commonly known as ‘West African’ or
‘419’. At the heart of the scam is the advance fee aspect. Just before
the money is about to be transferred some unforeseen difficulty occurs
and a fee from the victim is necessary to overcome the problem. 1000s of
these letters are sent out daily to people world wide. If you receive
such a letter, do not reply.

If you
would like to buy one of the steering locks or would like further
information, please contact PC Scott on 01543-464312

LOCAL NEWS

CANNOCK & RUGELEY NPUs

Car Enthusiasts Targeted

An operation aimed to reduce incidents of anti-social
behaviour and traffic offences committed by car enthusiasts has taken place
at Orbital Way Cannock. The operation was undertaken by officers from
Cannock Neighbourhood Response Team, colleagues from the Central Motorway
Police group and The Vehicle Operators Services Industry (VOSA). During the
operation, 73 vehicles were stopped, 20 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued, 3
vehicles were seized for no insurance, 3 vehicles were prohibited (taken off
the road) and one motorist gave a positive breath test. Sgt Karen Stevenson
of the Road Policing Team said “This was a very successful operation which
targeted the anti-social use of excess speed and excess noise amongst car
enthusiasts as well as ensuring that their vehicles were mechanically
sound”.

Partnership Success

Officers from the Rugeley Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU)
have worked with partners in an effort to reduce the opportunities for
anti-social behaviour in the Brereton area. Residents along Armitage Road
had raised concerns regarding behaviour in a concealed alleyway and as a
result, earlier this year a 9ft wall was demolished and replaced with a
lower wall and railings. This has made sure that anyone behaving
anti-socially can be seen. Funding from Staffordshire County Council
Highways Department has enabled a second wall and steps towards the alley to
be replaced. PCSO Liz Dale said “These changes would not have been made
possible without a number of partner agencies pulling together”.

Rugeley Alcohol Seized

Officers from Rugeley NPU have confiscated more than 100 cans
and bottles of alcohol from young people during a recent operation in the
Rugeley area. Focussing on increasing public reassurance and confidence, the
town’s Special constables and PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers)
seized alcohol from those under the age of 18 who were spotted during the
initiative. Sgt Chris Rodger said “The operation was in response to
community concerns that a minority of young people are buying or being given
alcohol and then drinking in local areas which can lead to incidents of
anti-social behaviour”.

STREET WARDENS

Cannock & Rugeley Street Wardens offer
support to residents, they work with young people in and outside school
and work with other agencies to help resolve local problems such as
nuisance and anti-social behaviour. Contact
them on 01543-437430

STAFFORD & STONE NPUs

Would You Like To Volunteer?

Stafford & District Age Concern is looking for volunteers for
new and existing projects. Car drivers, volunteers to help form Friendship
groups, volunteers to help support Signpost Centres at Bradbury House and
the Davy Jones Centre by helping in the café areas and other duties and
volunteer gardeners are amongst the volunteering opportunities. To find out
more, please contact the Volunteer Support Worker on 01785-607060 or e-mail:
patrick@ageconcernstafford.org.uk

Stafford Stickers Aim to Reduce Speed

Officers from Stafford NPU have teamed up with Stafford
Borough Council in a bid to cut speeding in Gravel Lane. Local Officers
visited residents in May and issued them with stickers and information
leaflets highlighting the 30mph speed limit on the road. Residents are now
being encouraged to mount these stickers on their refuse bins – a weekly
reminder for motorists to slow down on the road.

Shopping Centre Award

The Guildhall Shopping Centre in Stafford has been handed the
Parmark Certificate – a national award and the police stamp of approval for
car parks. The award is for having a safe, clean, crime free and user
friendly place for shoppers to leave their vehicles – and the Guildhall site
is the first car park in Stafford Borough to be given the award.

Parmark is an ACPO owned company and the award is initially
granted for 12 months. The site is then re-inspected and if it continues to
reach standards it can be awarded for 2 years at a time thereafter.

WOMBOURNE & WATLING NPUs

Watling Street Bike Training

Police Community Support Officers from Watling Street
Neighbourhood Policing Unit will be visiting local schools to provide cycle
training sessions in the hope of making students even safer over the summer
holidays. Pricefield first school in Penkridge, St Marys & St Chad in
Brewood and St Pauls first School in Coven have all signed up.

As part of the programme the youngsters will have their bikes
looked at by officers to make sure that they are road worthy. Bike marking
will be carried out on the bikes and the PCSOs will encourage the youngsters
to cycle safely in the school grounds before going out on local roads,
developing their observational skills, manoeuvrability skills as well as
introducing them to the Highway Code.

Kinver Boxing Club

Youngsters in the Kinver area are being invited to sign up to
a new Boxing club, a scheme being spearheaded by local PCSOs Karleen
Salmon-Denson and Nicki Robins along with ABA Boxing coach Geoff Hampton and
retained fire fighter Andy Johnson.

The aim is to give teens a safe place to meet, socialise and
learn discipline in sport. The club comes after youngsters voiced what they
want in the local community and it has been funded by PASS (Partners
Assuring a Safer Staffordshire) and the Community Learning Partnership.

Section 30 Renewed

Staffordshire Police and South Staffs Council have agreed to
renew the Section 30 of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 in the Bilbrook
and Codsall area. The order has been renewed until Thursday 23rd
July 2009

Wombourne Youngsters Get to Grips with Crime

Wombourne Neighbourhood Officers PC Jo Grundy and PCSO Claire
Clifton have been helping Year 7 youngsters at Bilbrook Middle School to
investigate crime first hand and learn about the custody procedure.

Focussed on a Citizen Foundation project, the youngsters
investigate an imaginary incident of anti-social behaviour involving two
characters. They role play events after the arrest of the pair and play the
parts of Custody Sergeant, arresting and interviewing officers, solicitor,
appropriate adult, the two characters and supporting Police Officers. Using
a script they even have to decide whether the pair of characters are guilty,
and as part of the exercise, get to see inside a custody cell.

Carol Evans, Inclusion Officer at Bilbrook Middle School said
“ The programme helps raise the young peoples awareness of how the law works
“.

Holiday Security

The holiday season is
here again and many of us will be going away, leaving our homes empty for a
week or so. A house that looks unoccupied is more vulnerable to the
opportunist burglar, but a few simple precautions can help to reduce the
opportunities for this type of crime:

Think! Don’t be
distracted by the excitement and rush to get away. Carefully check that you
have made your home secure before you leave: Ensure that all doors and
windows are closed and locked

Consider using
an automatic timer for lights and a radio

If you have a
small home safe, lock valuable documents and spare keys in it while
you’re away

Lock away garden
tools and ladders – they can be used to break into a house

Arrange for
someone to water your garden and cut your lawn

Let a trusted
neighbour know that you’ll be away and either ask them to be your
key-holder, or give them the contact details for your key-holder

Cancel milk and
papers before you go and ask a neighbour to collect your mail, or have
it redirected to the post office during your holiday

Don’t leave
house keys concealed outside your house. Leave them with a trusted
friend or neighbour

Consider asking
a neighbour to park their second car on your drive while you’re away

Another ATM Trick

Our neighbours in Shropshire have
highlighted yet another cash machine crime: A female, second in the
queue to use the Cashspoint stood on a £10 note and suggested to the
Cashpoint user that they had dropped the note. While the user was
distracted, a male took the card and it was subsequently used to
withdraw money from the account.

If It sounds Too Good To Be True ……

A stranger approached a man in a car park in the Cannock area
and offered to sell him a flat-screen television from the back of his car.
The man unfortunately agreed to buy the TV and paid £140 (which sounds like
a bargain). The TV was nicely packaged but when the man unwrapped it, it
wasn’t as described and it was damaged. It later transpired that the
television was also stolen property.

Do You Contact the Chase Watch
Team by e-mail?

If you contact the Chase Watch Team by
e-mail, please would you include your name and address. The Team
appreciates the many telephone calls and e-mails that we receive from
members of Neighbourhood Watch and we endeavour to reply to every one,
but it would save us time if we could immediately identify who the
sender is, instead of needing to search our data base to match an e-mail
address to a name and postal address.

IN BRIEF

Liverpool Men Arrested

Following a house burglary in the Rawnsley area where car
keys and the resident’s car were also stolen, three suspects have been
arrested in the Liverpool area in possession of the stolen vehicle.

Fingerprint Success

One offender has been arrested for two house burglaries in
the Hazel Slade/Rawnsley area of Rugeley. The offender was identified from
fingerprints left at the scene of one of the crimes

Gnosall Juvenile Given Warning

Following damage to the windows of Gnosall Police Post,
investigating officers working with the community identified and arrested a
local youth. The 17 year old has been given a final warning by the officers.

Four Arrests in Stone

Around 55 vehicles were scratched and damaged in The Stone
area one evening in May. With the help of information provided by the
public, officers have arrested four youths on suspicion of criminal damage.
The four are on bail until June when investigations will continue

Boot Sale Goods Seized

Watling Street Police Officers, Trading Standards Officials
and other partners conducted a high visibility operation at Bednall car boot
sale on the A34, one day in May.

The good seized included between 40,000 and 50,000
counterfeit DVDs, CDs and computer games with an estimated high street value
of £100,000

Jail for Cannock Man

A Cannock man has been jailed for four months for breaching
his Anti-Social Behaviour Order. The man was given a two year ASBO in April
2008 which states that he must not beg across the county. He breached that
order in November 2008 and was given a four month prison sentence, suspended
for two years. Further reports that he was asking shoppers and residents in
the Heath Hayes area for money led to an appearance at Cannock Magistrates
Court in May where he was sentenced to the four months imprisonment

Off Road Bikes Crushed

During the past two months an operation carried out by
officers in the Brereton, Prospect Village, Norton Canes, Wimblebury and
Hednesford areas has seen 38 off-road riders given warnings and nine
motorbikes seized for crushing.

Prior to the operation, Cannock and Rugeley Neighbourhood
Policing Units had received complaints from residents regarding the nuisance
caused by off-road vehicles being driven irresponsibly around the villages.

TRADING STANDARDS WARNINGS

Mobility Equipment Scam

Reports have been received regarding
mobility companies operating in Staffordshire trying to persuade
residents to buy large pieces of mobility equipment. The companies often
follow the same pattern:

Continually telephoning residents
until they agree to be visited

Arrange a time to visit but not turn
up

Turn up the day after the scheduled
visit unannounced

Advise customers that the company is
connected to Social Services or other voluntary organisations

Pressure customers to buy large pieces
of equipment such as stair lifts or beds.

Advice is to be very cautious of
cold-callers and not to deal with strangers by telephone or at the door.
Before committing to purchase equipment, seek professional Health and
Social Care advice

USEFUL
CONTACT DETAILS

URGENT/EMERGENCY

When a crime is occurring or about to occur, and for all
highly suspicious incidents e.g. youths checking car doors.

RING ‘999’

NON-URGENT

Ring 0300-123-44-55

For all
non-emergency calls. The call handler will transfer you to the person best
able to help you.

The register has been produced by Trading Standards and
partners for anyone who wants to find a trader in their area to do work on
their home or garden. Traders are not approved by Trading Standards, but if
there is a problem, members have pledged to work with Trading Standards to
find a solution.

Boing UK Ltd works in partnership with Staffordshire Police
in providing a free telephone service to the public, 24 hours a day, 365
days of the year. If you have a personal emergency, and need non-police
help, Boing have a data base of local traders and services such as plumbers,
glaziers and tree surgeons, and they can provide information about local
services such as late night chemists and 24 hour petrol stations.

STAFFORDSHIRE
CRIMESTOPPERS TELEPHONE 0800-555-111

The CRIMESTOPPERS telephone number can be used to pass
specific information about crime or criminals without fear of reprisals or
direct contact with the police. The service is anonymous and rewards of up
to £1,000 are available for information which leads to an arrest and charge.

PREFERENCING SERVICES

To cut down on
telephone cold calling ring 0845-070-0707 the call must be made from

the telephone
number receiving the unwanted calls. Use the same number to cut down on
unwanted text messages to your mobile phone

To reduce
cold-calling FAX messages ring 0845-070-0702

To cut down on
personally addressed junk mail telephone
0207-291-3310

WATCH-OUT FOR OWL

Your Chase Watch Team, along with colleagues
across Staffordshire, are currently copying the data from the WatchOUT
message system to a new message system called OWL (Online Watch Link). The
new system will be going live during April-May 2009.

If you receive WatchOUT messages by telephone or
FAX you will find little change when the new system is up and running, other
than the benefits of having a modern and reliable system. If you receive
your messages by e-mail, the new OWL system will provide extra services and
on-line information. If you currently receive WatchOUT messages by telephone
or FAX and have internet access, we would urge you to consider receiving
messages by e-mail and encouraging your Watch members to do the same. Anyone
who would like to register to receive the OWL messages by e-mail should
contact the Chase Watch Team:

Closer to the launch date for the OWL system,
there will be further information and publicity, but if you have any
queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us

If you have in the past indicated a preference
to receive messages by e-mail, or if you already receive messages by e-mail,
when the OWL system is launched, you will automatically receive an e-mail
from OWL confirming that you are registered.

SORRY, NO
SHORT VERSION NEWSLETTERS FOR THIS EDITION

Because of the preparation required for the
transition from WatchOUT to OWL, the Chase Watch Team will unfortunately not
be able to provide hard copy short-version newsletters for this edition to
distribute to individual members of schemes. Normal service will resume with
the April-May edition.

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

Although there will not be any short version
newsletters available for this edition of the newsletter, there will be a
limited surplus number of the full eight page version. If you would like
extra copies, please contact the Chase Watch Team: First come, first served.

UPVC DOORS WARNING

UPVC
doors can easily be opened from the outside if they are not locked with a
key from the inside. Simply lifting the handle does not completely secure
the door. Burglars have also been known to put their arm through a letterbox
or cat-flap and use a tool to push the handle to gain entry to homes.

Remember:

Deadlock
your doors with a key, do not just lift the handle.

Keep
house keys, purses, wallets, mobile phones and other small valuables out of
sight, away from doors and windows

Use all
of the door and window locks fitted to your home and consider fitting an
internal letterbox cage.

HOME GROWN SECURITY

Bushes
and shrubs can be a burglar’s dream in providing cover for their activities;
however they can be made into a burglar’s nightmare. The planting of a
prickly hedge such as firethorn, climbing rose or hawthorn, against existing
fencing will act as a powerful deterrent.

Other
plants which provide natural protection are Holly, Backthorn, Berberis and
Rosa Rugosa. Many garden centres will be able to identify suitable plants
and those best for your garden and the aspect in which they are to grow.

With
thanks to Phil Russon, South Staffs Crime Reduction Officer

The
commercial company DG Security has a useful web site with information about
defensive plants at
www.dgsecurity.co.uk and the company
Gardien has garden security advice on their web site at www.garden-security.co.uk

PRIZE
QUIZ

THIS
MONTH THREE WINNING ENTRIES WILL RECEIVE A PURSE SNATCH CHAIN

The silver coloured chains are approximately 14
inches long with a spring hook on one end and a split ring on the other. One
end can be attached to your purse or wallet and the other to your handbag or
clothing to deter pick-pockets and thieves.

This month’s question
is:

What does OWL stand
for?

(The answer is in the
newsletter)

Telephone 01543-464218 or
01785-234129 with your answer, or post it to:

Results and correct answer
will be published in the April-May newsletter

DECEMBER – JANUARY PRIZE
WINNER

Police
Community Support Officer Mark Dodd (Cannock) drew the winning entries out
of a hat. Mrs Golding, Cannock, and Sandra Bostock, South Staffs, correctly
stated that there have been twelve annual Staffordshire Police County
Neighbourhood Watch Conferences.

SEASONAL
CRIME

With
Spring around the corner, thieves are looking for easy pickings in garden
sheds and outbuildings. Fishing equipment, bicycles, power tools and lawn
mowers are amongst the items most likely to be stolen, but simple
precautions can help to thwart this kind of crime:

If you
keep valuables in your shed, make sure that it is sturdy and in good
condition. Consider installing a strong grill or heavy wire mesh around
windows to increase security. Fit a quality lock such as a closed shackle
padlock and bolt the fittings to the door with a steel panel fitted to the
inside of the door.

Post
code valuables stored in the shed and keep a record of any serial numbers.
Visibly mark property wherever possible to help to deter thieves.

Always
put away tools and other property after use and keep your shed locked. Use a
heavy duty chain to passed through handles and frames to link shed contents
together. Smaller items can be secured in a steel toolbox, itself secured
by the chain. An alarmed, locking steel cable can be bought which sounds a
120 decibel siren if cut or tampered with.

Burglars
may also use ladders, wheelie bins and garden furniture to ease access to
house windows. One way to secure ladders is to keep them locked and chained
to a wall. If possible, secure wheelie bins and link garden furniture
together, away from the house.

A
SUPER-SIZE FRAUD

Spam
e-mails purporting to be a satisfaction survey from McDonalds are tricking
residents into handing over their banking details in order to receive a
(non-existent) reward. This type of Phishing fraud started by targeting bank
customers, but over time the criminals have moved on to target customers of
e-commerce outlets and now fast-food outlets.

As with
all e-mails, if you don’t know the sender then it is safest to assume it is
bogus and delete it. Never follow links and never
open attachments on suspect e-mails.

Amendment: November-December newsletter
Specials article

The
article regarding Special Constables suggested that their powers are
limited to the county in which they are based. From April 2007, Special
Constables have police powers including arrest throughout England and
Wales.

SPRING-CLEAN YOUR SCHEME

With the start of a new year and the promise of
the new OWL message system, this could be a good time to make sure that all
is well with your Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Have new neighbours moved into your scheme area?
Are they acquainted with the Neighbourhood Watch scheme?

Do you and all of your members have
Neighbourhood Watch door/window stickers and ‘we don’t buy or sell at the
door’ cards, and are they in good condition?

Has your scheme got lamp-post Neighbourhood
Watch signs? (If you need more of them, remember that there is a cost;
around £8 each)

Are your address and contact details up to date?
Are they up to date for your scheme members?

If you need any (free) Neighbourhood Watch
literature or stickers, or if there are any amendments to the address or
contact details for your scheme members, please contact the Chase Watch Team
(our contact details are on pages 1 and 8).

LOCAL NEWS

CANNOCK & RUGELEY NPUs

The Safer Chase Shop

The Cannock Safer Chase Shop opened between 9th
December 2008 and January 31st 2009 has proved a great success.
Located in High Green, the shop provided local residents with the
opportunity to talk to a wide cross section of agencies under one roof and
pick up crime reduction advice. The agencies represented in the shop
included Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire &
Rescue Service, Crime Stoppers, Trading Standards, Neighbourhood Watch,
Staffordshire Youth Services and Victim Support. Partners will be meeting in
the near future to discuss the possibility of having a more permanent base
within the town centre.

Police Seek Rugeley Residents Views

January saw officers from Rugeley’s Neighbourhood
Policing Team seeking the views of local residents and shop keepers. The one
day initiative is part of a major consultation exercise and was an
opportunity for police to listen to the issues in the community and ask
residents where they want to see police action being taken. Officers heard
that concerns were mainly around anti-social behaviour, speeding and drug
misuse. PC Luke Norman said “The majority of people spoken to have reported
no problems in their neighbourhood and an overwhelming majority are
satisfied with the area as a place to live. We have been able to give
feedback to residents in relation to the work we have been doing and are
very pleased with the information that has been given to us.”

New Focus For Rugeley Teenagers

The Rugeley Twilight League Project, led by PC Wayne
Moreton is a weekly scheme with space for 30 youngsters. It is run by Wolves
staff and gives local teenagers a new Friday night focus in a free and fun
environment – getting them to join in with football related activities as
well as educational workshops relating to issues affecting them. Pc Moreton
said “The top aim is to stop those involved from joining in with anti-social
behaviour, with the long-term goal of reducing levels of crime by involving
those who may offend”. The project began in October 2008 and has been given
an extra boost by local company Aqua Direct, who have donated 624 bottles of
water for youngsters at the scheme to be used during training sessions.
Youngsters who join the scheme are already know to officers, on a final
warning or reprimand, involved in anti-social behaviour, not attending
school or classified as being at risk. All youngsters are referred by
partner agencies and the scheme is supported by Staffordshire Fire & Rescue
Service, Staffordshire Youth Offending Service, Connexions, Rugeley
Community and Learning Partnership, Cannock Chase Council and PASS (Partners
Assuring a Safer Staffordshire).

New Cannock NPU Inspector

From 2nd February, Inspector Pat Shannaghan
has moved from being NPU inspector for Wombourne and taken up the role of
NPU Inspector for Cannock. He joined the force in 1986 and spent seven years
in Trent Division. He was promoted to Sergeant and posted to Wombourne in
1993 where he spent three years before moving to Burntwood. In 1999 he
started as Response Sergeant at Watling Street before taking on the role as
Wombourne NPU Commander in 2004. He replaces Inspector Matt Derrick who will
be taking up a role with the pro-active teams in the division.

STAFFORD & STONE NPUs

Section 30 Area Agreed in Stafford

Implementation of a Section 30 of the Anti Social
Behaviour Act order came into effect on Monday 15th December and
runs until Monday 15th June in part of the Bodmin Avenue, Baswich
and Weeping Cross area of Stafford. Under the legislation, Officers have
additional powers to take action against any person acting or likely to act
in an anti-social manner by directing them out of the designated areas.
Those who fail to do so or return, can be arrested and charged with offences
under the Act. In addition, young persons under the age of 16 years who are
in the area between 9pm and 6am without a responsible adult can be taken
home or to another place of safety.

Stafford Neighbourhood Policing Commander said “It is
recognised that not all young people are involved in anti-social behaviour.
However our officers have been working closely with other agencies and the
community itself to continue to address the issues in the areas concerned
and there has been some improvement in the behaviour of some young people.
Despite this, there are a number of people who continue to cause nuisance
and distress to other members of the community by their actions. The powers
which have been granted to the police under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act
are a welcome addition and will help us target those who despite earlier
interventions are continuing to cause harm to the wider community.”

WOMBOURNE & WATLING NPUs

New Watling Street Inspector

A new Inspector has taken over as
Neighbourhood Policing Commander for Watling Street. Mark Jones joined West
Midland Police in January 1980 initially on the Incident management Unit (IMU)
as a PC and then at Landywood and Winson Green as a Sergeant. He later moved
to Handsworth and worked on a Neighbourhood Team until 2000 after which he
returned to the IMU. In 2003 he joined Staffordshire Police based at
Lichfield and Tamworth and was promoted to Acting Inspector in Staffordshire
Trent Valley Division. In September 2005, he took up the role of Inspector
on the IMU for Chase Policing Division.

New Wombourne Inspector.

From 2nd February
Inspector Andy Chapman has taken up the role of NPU Inspector for Wombourne.
He joined the force in 1993, initially working in Tunstall and Burslem
before moving to Cannock and then in 1998 becoming the Neighbourhood Officer
for Penkridge later taking up a post in CID. In August 2002 he became a
Sergeant at Wombourne. Since then he has taken on custody duties and then
taken on Sgt Duty Officer for Chase Division in the force control room
before being promoted to the rank of Inspector.

In
Brief

Fuel Thief Caught Out

A passer-by reported seeing a male
siphoning fuel from a lorry on a Cannock Industrial Estate. The police attended
immediately but failed to apprehend the offender who hid under a lorry and
leaving his own car behind, then made off over a fence.

A short time later, a male contacted the
police to report his car had been stolen. When spoken to by the police, the male
admitted making a false allegation and admitted the theft of diesel fuel. He was
promptly arrested and charged.

Arrest for Counterfeit Criminal

Following an operation by Rugeley officers, a local man has been arrested
and nearly 2,000 counterfeit DVDs and CDs seized.

Youths Charged for Criminal Damage

Two youths have been charged with
criminal damage offences relating to damage in the Blythe Bridge, Fulford,
Stallington and Rough Close areas, where the offenders are believed to have been
driving around the area firing ball-bearings out of a catapult.

Distraction Burglars Arrested

Police
were quickly on the scene when a member of the public reported that a
burglary was in progress at an address in Watling Street, near Gailey. The
four male offenders made off in a vehicle but they were apprehended a short
time later and their vehicle seized by police.

The men
are helping police with their enquiries relating to that incident as well as
a number of distraction burglaries in the Lichfield, Burntwood and Tamworth
areas

Section 59 Warnings in Wombourrne

Following complaints by local residents,
officers from the Wombourne Neighbourhood Policing Unit, supported by the force
helicopter targeted off road motorbikes in the Gibbett Wood area. Following the
operation, five riders were handed a Section 59 warning. This is given to
motorists who cause a nuisance and a second warning will lead to the vehicle
being seized with £150 release fee.

Drink-Drive Campaign

During
December 2008, officers across the Chase policing area carried out 517
breath tests on motorists. 20 recorded as positive and one refusing. A
similar number of breath tests were carried out in the same time period in
2007 and during that time 29 proved positive.

During
the campaign, extra patrols were deployed across the division and random
roadside checks were carried out on anyone committing a moving traffic
offence or driving in a manner which suggested the influence of drink or
drugs. Those involved in road traffic collisions were breath tested as a
matter of course. Sgt Karen Stevenson from the Road Safety Team said “It
appears that the vast majority of drivers have taken heed of the warnings
but a small number have not and those motorists will be facing a driving
ban.”

Stafford Neighbourhood Management Area (NMA)

Neighbourhood Beat Officers and Police Community Support Officers update

NPU
Commander: Inspector 3596 Bob Pilling telephone 01785-234060

Sergeant
4237 Nick Maingay and Sergeant 4622 Nigel Braun

Stone
Neighbourhood Management Area

Neighbourhood Beat Officers and Police Community Support Officers

NPU
Commander: A/Inspector 0797 Alison Kent 01785-234160

Sergeant
0963 Dave Ingham, Sergeant 4737 Ben Foster

Gnosall, Seighford, Church Eaton, Woodseaves and area
(Based at Gnosall Police Post)

PC 4885 Danny Lyon, PC 3292 Andy Heritage, PCSO 16637
Scott Biddulph

Watling Street Neighbourhood Management Area

Neighbourhood Beat Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs)

The register has been produced by Trading Standards and
partners for anyone who wants to find a trader in their area to do work on their
home or garden. Traders are not approved by Trading Standards, but if there is a
problem, members have pledged to work with Trading Standards to find a solution.

GOT A PROBLEM? CALL BOING

Boing UK Ltd works in partnership with Staffordshire Police
in providing a free telephone service to the public, 24 hours a day, 365 days of
the year. If you have a personal emergency, and need non-police help, Boing have
a data base of local traders and services such as plumbers, glaziers and tree
surgeons, and they can provide information about local services such as late
night chemists and 24 hour petrol stations.

STAFFORDSHIRE CRIMESTOPPERS FREEPHONE
0800-555-111

The CRIMESTOPPERS telephone number can be used to pass
specific information about crime or criminals without fear of reprisals or
direct contact with the police. Calls are FREE from land lines and most
mobile phones. The service is anonymous and rewards of up to £1,000 are
available for information which leads to an arrest and charge.

PREFERENCING SERVICES

To cut
down on telephone cold calling ring 0845-070-0707 the call must be made
from

the
telephone number receiving the unwanted calls. Use the same number to cut down
on unwanted text messages to your mobile phone